February / March 2018

ART

Perkinson Exhibit – through February 22 Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. Selected works from Cinema Gallery showcasing more than 70 professional artists from the Midwest, M-F 12-5pm when school is in session, free, 217-424-6227.

Metamorphosis Exhibit – February 2-26Opening Reception – February 2 Madden Arts Center, Anne Lloyd Gallery, 125 N. Water St. Metamorphosis speaks to an evolution and transformation of the Decatur Area Arts Council with its 50th year celebration through the works of artists Carol Brookes, Kass Copeland and Michael Waraksa. Opening reception 2/2, 5-7:30pm. General exhibit hours M-F 8:30am-4:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm, free, 217-423-3189.

Perkinson Exhibit – February 26-March 29 Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, Perkinson Gallery, 1184 W. Main St. Exhibit from the collection of the Organic Architecture & Design Archives, featuring original artifacts and memorabilia from the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, 1923, on display, M-F 12-5pm when school is in session, free, 217-424-6227.

Rock Springs Exhibits – March Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Showcasing wildlife and night photography by Sharon Blazer in the North Gallery and various works by Tracey Maras in the South Gallery, Rock Springs business hours, free, 217-423-7708.

Blue Grass Music Jams – February 11 & March 11 Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Enjoy old time tunes played by area musicians, bring your instrument and play or just enjoy the music, 1-4pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Synergy – February 18 Millikin University, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, 1184 W. Main St. Percussion Ensemble Masterworks showcases contemporary percussion chamber music through a collaborative concert featuring performances by students and faculty from the College of Fine Arts, 4pm, free, 217-424-6318.

Joseph Welch – Piano/Vocalists Concert Romantic Quartets – March 4 Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. An intimate performance by a quartet of singers and a pair of pianists, Romantic Quartets explores love and yearning through songs by the German masters Brahms and Schumann, 4pm, free, 217-428-4336.

Millikin Men – March 21 Millikin University, Kaueper Hall, 1184 W. Main St. Celtic-influenced music from a broad variety of genres to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, presented by the Millikin University School of Music, 6 & & 7:30pm,, free, 217-424-6318.

Holy Week Concert – March 27 Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St. A selection of music written for or appropriate to the Lenten season, presented by Millikin’s University Choir and Collegiate Chorale, 7:30pm, $, 217-424-6318.

COMEDY & THEATER

And Then There Were None – February 16-18, 23-25 Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. One of Agatha Christie’s darkest tales that will keep you guessing to the very end, presented by Theatre 7, F’s & Sa’s 7:30pm, Su’s 2pm, $, mail@theatre7.net or 217-422-7300.

Maple Syrup Programs – March 3 Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Discover how maple syrup is produced by tapping a tree, collecting sap and boiling it down over an open fire, hourly from 10am-1pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Wonderful Wood Ducks – March 24 Griswold Conservation Area, 9896 Meridian Rd., Blue Mound. Learn where wood ducks live, what they eat, and how we can protect their habitat, first five groups to register will go home with a wood duck box of their own, 2-4pm, free, reservations required, 217-423-7708.

Pioneer Naturalist: John James Audubon – March 25 Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Ln. Melody Arnold, president of Decatur Audubon Society, explores the life and travels of the famous naturalist, 2pm, free, 217-423-7708.

Penguin in the Park 5K Run/Walk – March 24 Fairview Park, 575 N. McClellan St. The 13th annual 5K event for the speedy and the not-so-speedy, also Penguin Dash for the younger penguins, participants receive t-shirt, goody bag and a finisher ribbon, post-race party inside Millikin’s Griswold Gym, proceeds benefit the John Bingham Scholarship at Millikin University and youth programs at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center, Penguin Dash 8:30am, 5K 9am, After Party 10:30am, $, www.penguin5K.com or 217-615-0511.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Books Between Bites – February 7 & March 7 Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St. Discussions of a wide range of books, bring your lunch, presented by Friends of the Decatur Public Library, 12:15-1pm, free, 217-791-4423.

Chamber Business Breakfasts – February 7 & March 7 Decatur Club, 158 W. Prairie Ave. Hot breakfast and networking opportunities with more than 100 business professionals, 3/7 featured speaker Raymond Lai, director of the City of Decatur’s Department of Economic & Community Development, business casual, doors open 6:30am, breakfast and program 7-8am, $, registration preferred, www.decaturchamber.com or 217-422-2200.

Meals with Friends – February 14 & March 16 Johns Hill Senior Center, 601 N. Jasper St. Sweetheart lunches to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2/14, and St. Patrick’s Day 3/16, transportation available for $, 12pm, $, 217-429-7750.

Second Saturday Used Book Sales – February 10 & March 10Decatur Public Library, Book Sale Room, 2nd Floor, 130 N. Franklin St. Friends of the Library monthly sale of used books, CDs, DVDs and special items, all proceeds benefit the Decatur Public Library and local literacy programs, 9:30am-12:30pm, free admission, 217-791-4423.

Focus on Feather – Tales from the Field – February 17Madden Arts Center, 125 N. Water St. An evening of storytelling and photographs by Illinois Raptor Center’s directors and volunteers with dinner, dessert and drinks served, proceeds benefit the Wildlife Hospital, for adults only, silent auction of photographs, 6:30-10pm, $, reservations required, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3195582 or 217-963-6909.

Kick Brass Swing Band – March 4 Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, Rt. 36 West. Concert of danceable swing music by St. Louis-area musicians, funds raised benefit the Central Illinois Jazz Festival and scholarships for local area high school aspiring musicians, 2-5pm, $, 217-424-0970.

Couples/Singles Dance – March 18Knights of Columbus Hall, 520 E. North St. Enjoy the band BAM! playing music for ballroom, WCS, country, salsa dancing and more, proceeds benefit New Life Pregnancy Center and Oasis Day Center, 5-8pm, $, 217-875-3090.